Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass was not enough to wash away the lingering residuals of grief for Don Waddell on Saturday. The Blue Jackets' general manager was candid about the emotional toll that recent events have taken on him and the entire team.
On August 29, tragedy struck when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. This devastating incident has cast a long shadow over the Blue Jackets, as the team grapples with the emotional aftermath.
Collective Grief
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, where the haunting silence of a moment of remembrance filled the air before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game against the Buffalo Sabres. Reflecting on those somber moments, Waddell shared his deep sense of loss, chronicling the toll such tragedies have had on his career and personal life. "We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," he said. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Waddell's experiences with loss do not end with the Gaudreau brothers' accident. In 2003, he faced heartbreak when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a tragic fireworks accident during a Fourth of July celebration.
Support Systems in Place
In these trying times, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have come together to offer support to the Blue Jackets. This includes grief counseling for players and staff, increased security at various memorial events, and addressing hockey-related issues that have arisen in the wake of the accident. There is also ongoing discussion about potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide the Blue Jackets some relief.
Focus on the Future
Despite the enveloping grief, the Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season, with training camp set to open on Thursday, precisely three weeks since the tragic accident. As the team navigates their sorrow, the practicality of filling gaps on the roster becomes a pivotal concern. Notably, the team has two openings at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
This offseason is marked by new beginnings not just on the ice but also in the team's leadership. Both Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason come to Columbus with fresh perspectives, aiming to steer the team through these stormy waters. According to Waddell, "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that."
Rallying Together
Among those profoundly affected by the loss is forward Gavin Brindley. Reflecting on Johnny Gaudreau's mentorship, he expressed the void left by his passing. "He was one of the biggest mentors for me at the world championships. I couldn't tell you how many times we hung out with Meredith, pictures on my phone. It's just so hard to look back and see that kind of stuff," Brindley said.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman offered a broader perspective on the emotional state of the organization. "The Blue Jackets, I don't think anybody's focused from an organizational standpoint, from a hockey standpoint as to what comes next, because I think everybody's still in shock," he remarked. He added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
United Front
Despite the heavy hearts, there is a collective resolve to push forward. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," said Waddell. This sense of purpose has become a unifying force for the team as they balance their grief with the professional responsibilities that lie ahead. Waddell summed up the determination within the locker room: "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
As the Blue Jackets march toward opening night, the season ahead promises to be a testament to their resilience and unity. In the face of heart-wrenching adversity, the team aims to honor the memory of the Gaudreau brothers by dedicating their efforts on the ice to their fallen teammates and mentors.